Daily Readings - Tue Oct 31 2017
First Reading - Romans 8.18-25
Romans
18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.19For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.20For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,21Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.22For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.23And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.24For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?25But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Gospel - Luke 13.18-21
Luke
18Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?19It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.20And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?21It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the nature of hope and the growth of God’s kingdom in our lives. The first reading from Romans reminds us that our present sufferings, though real, are nothing compared to the future glory that awaits us. Paul writes about the whole creation groaning in anticipation of being set free from corruption, and he encourages us to wait patiently for the full revelation of God’s sons and daughters. This passage is set in the context of Paul’s broader discussion of the Spirit and the hope of glory, reassuring believers that their struggles are not in vain.
The Gospel reading from Luke offers two parables that illustrate how the kingdom of God grows in unexpected and often unseen ways. The mustard seed, though small, grows into a great tree, and the leaven, though hidden, transforms the entire batch of dough. These images remind us that God’s work often begins in humble and unassuming ways, but it leads to profound transformation. Jesus uses these parables to teach his disciples about the nature of the kingdom, emphasizing that growth and change are gradual but inevitable when we cooperate with God’s grace.
Together, these readings encourage us to trust in God’s plan and to have hope, even when we cannot see the fullness of what he is doing. Just as the mustard seed grows into a tree and the leaven transforms the dough, our small acts of faith and perseverance can lead to great things. Let us embrace the hope that Paul speaks of, knowing that our struggles are temporary, and let us nurture the seed of God’s kingdom in our hearts, trusting that it will bear fruit in due time.